Fire Safety Planning

This week we will discuss Fire Safety Planning, Smoke Alarms, and what you can do to protect your family from fire danger.
According to the United States Fire Administration, (USFA) each year more than 5,000 Americans die in fires, and more than 25,000 are injured. USFA believes that having a sound escape plan will protect you and your family if fire occurs. Let’s look at some basic elements you can do for yourself and discuss with your family:

Develop A Sound Fire Escape Plan:
In the event of a fire, remember that time is your biggest enemy and every second counts. In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for a house to fill with thick black smoke and become engulfed in flames.

Practice Escaping From Every Room In The Home:
The best escape plans will always have two ways to get out of each room in your home. If the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke, you will need a second way out. A secondary route might be a window onto an adjacent roof or using an Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) approved collapsible ladder for escape from upper story windows. Make sure these windows are not painted shut or stuck, and screens can be taken out quickly and that security bars can be properly opened. You should also practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed. This may seem silly in the daytime, but may save your life one dark night. Remember the key is to “have a working plan and practice your fire escape plan with your family members”.

Remember the best time to learn your lesson about personal security, self defense, and preparedness is before something happens.